I’ve been researching two common ADHD medications – Vyvanse and Adderall. These stimulants help many people focus and manage their symptoms, but they work in slightly different ways.
Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which gets converted to dextroamphetamine in the body, while Adderall is a mix of four amphetamine salts. This means Vyvanse may have a smoother effect for some. I found that Vyvanse typically lasts up to 14 hours, compared to 12 hours for Adderall XR.
Both medications boost dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity. However, their onset and duration vary. Vyvanse takes 3-4 hours to reach full effect, while Adderall XR peaks in about 7 hours. Knowing these differences can be helpful when choosing an ADHD treatment with your doctor. Background on ADHD
ADHD is a complex disorder that affects many people. It can make it hard to focus and control behavior. Let’s look at what ADHD is and how common it is. Understanding ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a brain condition that makes paying attention and sitting still tough. Kids and adults with ADHD often: Have trouble focusing on tasks
Get distracted easily
Fidget or move around a lot
Act without thinking
ADHD can affect school, work, and relationships. But with help, people with ADHD can do well. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes ADHD. It seems to run in families, so genes play a role. Brain chemistry and structure may also be involved. Prevalence of ADHD ADHD is pretty prevalent. In the U.S., about 6 million kids have been diagnosed with it. That’s about 9.4% of all children.ADHD affects boys more than girls. For adults, about 4-5% have ADHD. But many grown-ups don’t know they have it.ADHD rates have gone up over time. This might be because: We’re better at spotting it now More people know about ADHD Our busy world makes ADHD symptoms more obvious Some worry ADHD is overdiagnosed. Others think many cases are still missed. It’s a tricky balance to get right. Overview of Stimulant Medications Stimulant medications play a crucial role in treating ADHD. I’ll cover how […]
Vyvanse vs Adderall: Key Differences Between ADHD Medications